According to allegations raised in a recently filed lawsuit, a contrast dye commonly used during an MRI exams caused a Pennsylvania woman to develop a painful and incurable medical condition, known as Gadolinium Deposition Disease (GDD), which has left her with cognitive impairment, burning sensations on her skin, heart palpitations and severe pain throughout her body.

In a complaint (PDF) filed earlier this month in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Debra Javens indicates that GE Healthcare failed to adequately warn that their gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent, Omniscan, may result in the progressive and debilitating health problems.

Omniscan and other gadolinium contrast dyes are used during millions of MRI and MRA exams nationwide, to help enhance and improve the images. However, the injections have been linked to reports among some patients of persistent symptoms that may develop within hours or weeks after an MRI with a gadolinium contrast dye, including headaches, bone and joint problems and excruciating pain that may progress to inhibit the ability to use the arms, legs, hands, feet and other joints.

Javens alleges that the manufacturers knew or should have known about the risk of gadolinium deposition disease (GDD) for decades, and indicates that there is no other possible cause for the injuries she has experienced.

“GDD is a man-made disease. It only occurs in patients who have received a gadolinium-based contrast agent for an MRI or MRA,” the lawsuit notes. “Gadolinium is a highly toxic heavy metal. It does not occur naturally in the human body. The only known route for gadolinium to enter the human body is injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent.”

The case joins a growing number of MRI contrast dye lawsuits filed in recent months by individuals diagnosed with Gadolinium Deposition Disease. However, the size and scope of the litigation is expected to continue to increase over the coming weeks and months, as individuals learn that painful problems since an MRI with contrast may be the result of gadolinium used in the dye.

Concerns About Gadolinium Deposition Disease

Warnings about risks associated with the use of Omniscan and other gadolinium contrast dyes among individuals with an acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease were previously issued about 10 years ago. However, gadolinium deposition disease is seen among patients with normal kidney function.

The manufacturers were required to provide new warnings and information in a Medication Guide, which all patients receiving an MRI contrast dye will be asked to read.

The FDA also recommended that health care professionals consider the fact that the body retains gadolinium when deciding whether to give it to patients that may be at higher risk of health problems. These include women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant, patients with kidney problems, children, and patients when inflammatory conditions. The recommendations also suggest that repeated use of the contrast agents be minimized where possible, particularly when MRIs are scheduled closely together.

Patients are now urged to tell their health care professionals whether they are pregnant or may be pregnant, whether they have kidney problems, and the date of their last MRI with gadolinium, or whether they have had repeated MRI scans that involved the use of gadolinium contrast agents.

10 comments

I had a MRI on 4-28-2014 with Gadopentetate, dimeglumine (Magnevist) 15ml. It was for lower back pain. They discovered I had a spot on my left kidney which was determined to be RCC grade 2. To this day I have been experiencing headache that I never had before. I use to get one every few months but now it is more often. Tylenol doesn’t help.

Had mri with contrast 6/2015. Have had crps in that shoulder since a year prior but i have bone pain in my arm that developed a few weeks after that mri. It is actual pain felt in the bone not muscles or nerves. It is different from my crps pain.

I had the MRI with dye shot in me in 1996 at Kaiser in Riverside. I have had headaches,pain throughout my body. Kaiser in bellfower told me I had fibromyalgia. It took them three years to tell me that. I really wonder if I really got that. My legs,hipps, arms always hurts.

Is there a blood test the doctor can request that wouid show gadolinium in your body? I have had several MRI’s with contrast and suffer strange pain symptoms like fibromyalgia, and burning under the skin that have not been diagnosed as yet. Very interesting that no one was ever warned about possible problems when given the contrast. Actually it is criminal, I would believe.

My daughter has had lots of MRI’s . It started with her kidneys, now she has terrible inflammation in her legs, her stomach is constantly bloated, she developed migraine headaches, and they now think se has P.O.T.S. She is now on beta lockers for hat, until she gets to see a cardiologist, she does not have health insurance, so I am sure it will be a longer wait to see the cardiologist. Worried Mother

I had a mri done with contrast in 2015 because I had a torn tendon biceps. I had surgery may 2015 i have been in so much pain since. I have bad headaches and shoulder and back pains to the point i can’t move. I have headaches and neck pain so bad I go stiff.

My husband was in peace health hospital in 2012 they did 72 pages of test many CT scans so many I questioned why every doctor in the hospital had to have their own scam
They cheerfully told me they thought it was necessary for Christmas gifts for the kids my husband and I both injured several tests he had vasculitis and was sent to the ER constantly until he personally contracted bacterial pneumonia

Share Your Comments

First Name*

Last Name

Email*

Shared Comments*

I authorize the above comments be posted on this page*

Yes

No

Have Your Comments Reviewed by a Lawyer

Provide additional contact information if you want an attorney to review your comments and contact you about a potential case. This information will not be published.

Contact Phone #

Alt Phone #

Private Comments

NOTE: Providing information for review by an attorney does not form an attorney-client relationship.